Some helpful senior portrait tips

WEATHER FOR OUTDOOR PORTRAITS

Let's face it; we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. If it rains on the day of your session, do not fret! Outdoor portions of the session can be rescheduled.

PLAN AHEAD

Arrive 10- 15 minutes before your appointment. Please have your clothing grouped together by outfit on hangers. Vary the style of your clothing. Remember that your pictures can represent all seasons, so you may bring a range of clothing despite the actual season or weather.  Try to have some summer, winter and /or fall clothing to ensure you get a variety of looks and background choices.

CLOTHING

 No I will not tell you what to wear for YOUR senior portrait and you are never limited to the amount of outfits you are photographed in!  I will help you coordinate your outfits with the different locations and sets. First, vary the style of your clothing. Remember that your pictures can represent all seasons, so you may bring a range of clothing despite the actual season or weather.  Try to have some summer, winter and /or fall clothing to ensure you get a variety of looks and background choices. Second try to avoid stripes and plaids.  Solid colors photograph much better, as does long sleeves.  Black looks good on everyone and will make you look thinner. Ladies if you would like a white on white portrait, please bring an all white blouse or sweater.  Be sure to vary your clothing color choices.  This will ensure that you will be able to be photographed on a variety of backgrounds and sets. Prom dresses or formal dresses make a good contrast to jeans and a blouse.  Don't forget to accessorize! Jewelry, hats, scarves, hoodies, boots and coats make a nice addition to outfits and can help to create variety in your previews.

COMPLEXION

All of your finished portraits will be retouched at no charge, so don't worry if you have a breakout right before your session. DO NOT overdo the tanning bed or sun. It is advisable to allow at least a 3 day rest from tanning before your session.

MAKE–UP AND HAIR SUGGESTIONS

Makeup should be slightly heavier than normal. Also avoid makeup with an SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.  Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Haircuts should be made at least a week before your appointment. If you color your hair, do not forget your roots! Highlights should be touched up approximately one to two weeks before your session. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or you lose camera time.

GLASSES

Lenses in glasses can sometimes cause flares or white spots on the lenses from the flashes. I recommend you ask your optometrist or person you purchased your glasses from if they can remove the lenses or will loan you a set of frames like yours without lens in them. Most optometrist will do this for little if any cost to you.

DON’T FORGET YOUR PROPS

Props help to define who you are. Some popular choices are: cars, sports equipment, hunting equipment, musical instruments, dogs, cats, uniforms, and collectables.